09-18-2020, 10:11 AM
(09-18-2020, 09:03 AM)ItsGoTime Wrote: So you’re saying Bill Russell is the new prototypical center?
I don't think so. I mean, maybe, because while I'm familiar with the man's accomplishments, I haven't actually been able to see him play much. Not quite old enough.
Could he play smothering defense on the perimeter (I guess there wasn't a 3 point line when he played) and then recover to affect a shot into the paint on the same play?
Could he face the basket (triple threat position) from anywhere on the court and put pressure on the defense by passing, shooting or driving?
My understanding is that he could do NEITHER of those things, but again, I could be wrong, because he was before my time.
I know that he was a winner, and within the game as it was played at the time, he contributed to winning basketball in much wider variety of ways than other centers did, so in a way, that will always be the prototypical center.